Method of defoliating plants with organomercurials



United States Patent ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Defoliation and desiccation of plants by a method which comprises contacting the plants with a composition containing, as an active ingredient, organomercury compounds having the formula 0 X-Hg--OR wherein X is a halogen and R is an alkyl group.

This invention relates to the control of undesirable vegetation. More specifically, it pertains to a method for treating undesirable plant growth and novel herbitoxic compositions. In other words, a prime feature of this invention is the unexpected discovery that certain organomercury compounds possess desirable herbitoxic properties.

As used herein, the phrase control of undesirable vegetation means the partial or total modification of the growth of plants and embraces within its scope defoliation and the complete suppression or eradication of plants. The term undesirable vegetation refers to plants which are undesirable in a particular locus, as well as plant parts which are undesirable at a particular time. For instance, certain trees may be undesirable in a plot devoted the the profitable growth of another species of trees. In another instance, it maybe desirable to defoliate; that is, to remove the leaves from plants without killing the plant itself.

Thus, broadly, the object of this invention is to provide novel her bitoxic compositions and novel methods for controlling undesirable vegetation. More specifically, one of the objects to to provide novel compositions and methods for plant defoliation. Another object is to provide novel herbicidal formulations and methods for killing plants. Still another object of this invention is to provide compositions which are useful in treating forests. Other objects will be apparent from the following detailed description and claims.

The objects of this invention are accomplished by providing-new herbitoxic compositions comprising a compound having the formula:

whereinX is selected from the class consisting of halogen, cyano, hydroxy, alkylcarboxy, and arylcarboxy groups, and hydrocarbyl radicals selected from the class consisting of alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, and alkaryl radicals, and R is a hydrocarbyl radical selected from the class consisting of alkyl, aryl, araykyl, and cycloalkyl radicals; said carboxyl groups and hydrocarbyl radicals having up to 12 carbon atoms. When X is halogen, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, or iodine compounds may be employed.

Examples of alkyl groups which may be present in the above formula as X and R are methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-amyl, and the various positional isomers thereof as, for exam- Patented Mar. 18, 1969 ple, l-methylbutyl, Z-methylbutyl, 3-methylbutyl, 1,1- dimethylpropyl, and the like, and likewise the corresponding straight and branched-chain isomers of hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, and dodecyl.

Examples of aryl groups which may be present in the above formula as X and R are phenyl and naphthyl groups. Alkaryl groups which may also be present are tolyl, 2,3- xylyl, 2,4-xylyl, 2,5-xylyl, 2,6-xylyl, 3,4-xylyl, 3,5-xylyl, o, m, and p-cumenyls, mesityl, o, m, and p-ethylphenyl, 2- methylnaphthyl, 3-methylnaphthyl, 4-methylnaphthyl, 5- methylnaphthyl, 6-methylnaphth yl, 7-methylnaphthyl, 8- methylnaphthyl, l-ethylnaphthyl, its various positional isomers, and the like. Some of the examples of aralkyl groups are benzyl, phenylethyl, a-phenylpropyl, fl-phenylpropyl, aand fi-isomers of phenylisopropyl, or and fi-isomers of phenylbutyl, and the like.

Alicyclic groups which may be present as X and R in the above formula may be exemplified by cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cycloamyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, cyclononyl, cyclodecyl, cycloundecyl, cyclododecyl, and the like, or alkyl derivatives of said alicyclic groups such as a-cyclobutylpropyl, j3-cyclobutylpropyl, and similar higher derivatives.

The above groups which may be present in general formula may contain various substituents, such as halogens, hydroxy, amino, nitro, and the like. Illustrative examples of groups having such substituents are chloromethyl, 2-bromobutyl, l-iodo-Z-propenyl, chlorophenyl, 4-chlorotolyl, 1-phenyl-2-chloropropyl, fluorocyclohexyl, 3-hydroxypropyl, l-hydroxy-3-pentenyl, hydroxyphenyl, Z-hydroxytolyl, l-phenyl-B-hydroxypentyl, hydroxycyclopentyl, Z-nitrobutyl, nitrophenyl, 2-nitrotolyl, l-phenyl- 4-nit-rohexyl, nitrocyclobutyl, Z-aminobutyl, 3-aminobutenyl-l, aminophenyl, 2-nitro-4-aminophenyl, 2-ohloro-3- nitrophenyl, 1-hydroxy-3-bromohexyl, and the like.

In the preferred class of compounds, X is halogen and R is an alkyl group having up to 12 carbon atoms. A most preferred compound is methyl(bromomercuri)formate.

Illustrative but nonlimiting examples of typical active ingredients of this invention are listed below.

1 Ethyl (chloromercuri) formate. 2) n-Propyl (iodomercuri) formate. (3 Isopropyl (fluoromercuri) formate. (4) n-Pentyl (bromomercuri) formate. 5 2,3-dimethylhexyl (chloromercuri) formate. (6) Cyclobutyl (bromomercuri) formate. 7 Cyclohexyl chloromercuri) formate. 8 Phenyl (iodomercuri) formate. (9 p-Tolyl (fluoromercuri) formate. (1 0) Ethylphenyl (chloromercuri)formate. 1 1 Methyl (methyl-mercuri) formate. l2) Ethyl (ethylmercuri) formate. 13) n-Pentyl(isopropylmercuri)formate. (14) 1,3-dimethylhexyl(hexylmercuri)formate. 15 n-Dodecyl (ethylmercuri) formate. (16) p-Tolyl(butylmercuri)formate. l7 p-Ethylphenyl (octylmercuri) formate. 1 8 Methyl (phenylmercuri )formate. 19) Z-methylbutyl phenylmercuri) formate. (20) Phenyl(phenylmercuri) formate. (21) Benzyl(phenylmercuri)formate. (22) 4-o-xylyl(phenylmercuri)formate. (23 n-Propyl tolyl-mercuri) form ate. (24) Isopentyl o-ethylbenzylmercuri) formate. (25 3 ,4,5-trimethylbenzyl (phenylmercuri) formate- (26) Ethyl (cyanomercuri) formate. (27 n-Hexyl cyanomercuri) formate (28) Cyclohexyl (cyanomercuri) formate. (29) Phenyl (cyanomercuri) formate. (30) p-To1yl(cyanornercuri)formate.

Ethyl (hydroxymercuri) formate.

3 -o-xylyl hydroxymercuri) formate. -propylnonyl (hydroxymercuri) formate. Cyclopentyl (hydroxymercuri) formate. Naphthyl (hydroxymercuri) formate 4-o-xylyl (hydroxymercuri formate.

3,5 -diethylbenzyl (hydroxymercuri) formate. p-Butylphenyl (hydroxymercuri) formate. Methyl (acetoxymercuri) formate. Cyclohexyl (hexanoyloxymercuri) formate. Phenyl acetylmercuri) formate. o-Tolyl(undecanoyloxymercuri) formate. Isopropylphenyl (isobutyryloxymercuri) formate. Is obutyl (4-methylphenoxycarb onylmercuri) The class of compounds represented by the general formula in column 1 may be prepared by various methods available in the art. For the purpose of this invention, it is immaterial what specific method of preparation is employed since our invention is primarily concerned with the use of said class of compounds as herbitoxic materials. One method of preparation of the compounds of this invention is reported by W. Schoeller et al., Chem. Ber. 46, p. 2864 (1913), and may be represented by the following equations for the preparation of methyl(bromomercuri) formate.

0m O-Hg-(iOCH NaBr A great variety of compounds having various groups substituted for -Br and -CH in the product of the second equation may be prepared by the above method merely by varying the alcoho component in the first reaction and the sodium salt in the second reaction. For example,

if phenol were used in place of methanol in the first reaction and sodium chloride in place of sodium bromide in the second reaction, the product obtained would have the formula:

0 1i ClHg O CsHs The experimental procedure for the preparation of methyl(bromomercuri)formate, which is the product obtained in the above equations, is illustrated in Examples 1 and 2 below.

Example l.Reaction of mercuric acetate with carbon monoxide A reaction flask equipped with a carbon monoxide inlet (extending below the liquid level), stirrer, and condenser, was charged with 100 parts by weight of mercuric acetate and 400 parts by weight of absolute methanol. Carbon monoxide was then passed through the stirred solution at room temperature for 23 hours. The reaction mass was filtered to remove insoluble material and the filtrate was evaporated to dryness under vacuum (bath temperature below 65 C.). The white crystalline residue was dissolved in warm chloroform (below 45 C.), filtered, and precipitated with petroleum ether, yielding 88.8 parts by weight of purified material having a melting point (decomposition) of 103.5 to 107 C.

Example 2.Preparation of methyl(bromomercuri) formate The product of Example 1, 20.04 parts by weight, was dissolved in parts by weight of absolute methyl alcohol. Sodium bromide, 8.39 parts by weight dissolved in 50 parts by weight of water, was then added to the alcoholic solution. The addition was carried out at room temperature. After the addition was complete, the reaction mixture was stirred for a few minutes, cooled, and filtered to yield the crude product. This material was recrystallized from diethylether to afford 11.97 parts by weight of purified methyl(bromomercuri)formate having a melting point (decomposition) of to 128 C.

In a preferred embodiment, the compositions of this in vention contain an active ingredient (a compound of the type formulated and enumerated above and exemplified below) and a surfactant as a dispersant therefor. In a more preferred embodiment, the herbitoxic compositions contain an inert carrier as well as a surfactant and active ingredient. Typical surfactants and carriers employed in this invention are discussed below.

The methods provided by this invention for treating undesirable vegetation comprise contacting living plant tissue with one or more of the active ingredients described and enumerated above and exemplified below. In a preferred embodiment, the vegetation is contacted with a com position comprising one or more active ingredients and a surfactant as a dispersant therefor.

In a more preferred embodiment, the methods of this invention comprise the treatment of undesirable vegetation with a composition comprising one or more active ingredients, a surfactant as a dispersant therefor, and an inert carrier.

The surfactants employed in the instant invention have been commonly referred to in the art as conditioning agents, surface active agent, and surface active dispersing agents. They extend the active ingredient and promote its intimate contact with the vegetation to which it is ap plied. Furthermore, surfactants aid in the adaptation of the active ingredients for use in conventional application equipment. In general, from 0.1 to 15 percent 'by weight of a surfactant are employed in the compositions of this invention; however, greater and smaller amounts can be used, if desired. The combination of the active ingredients of this invention with a surfactant produces a herbitoxic composition having a greater effectiveness than could be expected from the activity of the individual components.

Typical examples of surfactants which are suitable for use 1n this invention are soaps, saponins, gelatin, casein, flour, sulfite lye, and synthetic cationic, anionic, and nonionic surfactants, and the like. Detailed lists of such agents are set forth by J. W. McCutcheon in Soap and Chemical Specialties, December 1957; January, February, March, and April 1958; and in Detergent and Emulsifiers Up to Date-1960, John W. McCutcheon, Inc., 475 Fifth Ave., New York, NY. A further discussion of surface active wetting agents is set forth by D. E. H. Frear in Chemistry of Insecticides, Fungicides and Herbicides, 277-287, published by D. Van Nostrand Company, Inc. (1948).

Anionic surfactants comprise the largest class of surface active agents employed in this invention. Anionic surfactants are excellent wetting and dispersing agents. Soaps, which are probably the best known anionic surfactants, form insoluble materials in the presence of various metal cations, such as magnesium and calcium. Because of this, soaps are not preferred when these ions are present, and the more preferred anionic surfactants used in the compositions of this invention are the synthetic surfactants. This class includes materials such as the sodium salts of sulfonated tallow, sulfonated coconut oil, sulfonated marine animal oils and sulfonated fatty amides. Long chain alkyl sulfates and long chain alkyl sulfonates such as lauryl, cetyl, stearyl, or -oleyl-cetyl sulfates or sulfonates are also applicable. Sodium salts of phosphoric esters of fatty acids, sulfonated aromatics (such as sulfonated benzene derivatives, sulfonated naphthalene derivatives and sulfonated anthracene derivatives) can also be used. Sodium salts of alkaryl sulfonates, sulfonated terpenes, and sulfonated alkyl phenols can also be employed. Other preferred anionic surfactants are salts of sulfonated mineral oils, chlorosulfonated paraffinic hydrocarbons, sulfamides of paraffinic hydrocarbons, lignin sulfonates, and N-alkyl-N-fatty acid taurates.

Specific examples representative of the foregoing anionic surfactants are sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate, sodium isopropyl naphthalene sulfonate (marketed under trademark Aerosol OS by American Cyanamid), the dioctyl ester of sodium sulfosuccinic acid (marketed under trade-name Aerosol OT by American Cyanamid), the bis-tridecyl ester of sodium sulfosuccinic acid (marketed unded trademark Aerosol TR by American Cyanamid). Other examples are sodium aromatic sulfonate oxides such as those marketed by Nopco Chemical Company under the tradenames Agrimul N4R, Argimul N48 and Agrimul TL. Still other examples are the sodium salts of the sulfate esters of an alkyl phenoxypolyethyleneoxyethanol, such as the products marketed by Antara Chemicals under the trade-names Alipal CO- 433 and Alipal C0436, and sodium salts of modified alkyl phosphate ester such as Alipal MC-470, another product of Antara Chemicals. Further specific examples of suitable anionic surfactants may be found in the previously cited Detergents and Emulsifiers Up to Date 1960.

Another class of surfactants suitable for use in many of the compositions of this invention is nonionic surfactants. This group of surfactants is especially useful in the preparation of emulsifiable oil formulations. When employed in these formulations, nonionic surfactants are extremely effective in emulsifying the oil formulation in an aqueous medium. Some examples of nonionic surfactants are polyglycol esters, polyoxyethyleneoxide alkylphenol, alkylaryl polyester alcohol, propyleneglycol monostearate, glyceryl monostearate, fatty alkyllol amide condensates, coconut fatty alkyllol amide, lauric alkyllol amide. Many more examples of suitable nonionic detergents are listed in the forementioned Detergents and Emulsifiers Up to Date, supra.

Saponins are glucosides occurring in several species of plants, such as soa-pwort (Saponaria ofiicina lis). The saponins can be hydrolyzed by mineral acids to yield sugars, such as glucose, galactose and arabinose together with sapogenins. Saponins form colloids with water and are effective nonionic detergents because they have the effect of reducing the surface tension of water.

Gelatins are proteins of animal origin which are used as an adjuvant in herbicidal compositions. Gelatins function as surface active agents inasmuch as they lower the surface tension of Water while at the same time performing the further function of acting as sticking agents, causing the plant growth regulant compound to remain in intimate contact with the plant tissue over a prolonged period.

Casein is another protein preparation sometimes used in herbicidal compositions. The usual source of casein is milk. Casein, like gelatin, performs the dual function of both lowering the surface tension of water and acting as a sticking agent.

Flour also contains proteins similar to those found in gelatin and casein and has been used as both a wetting and sticking agent. Sulfite lye is a by-product of the paper industry. It contains the water soluble portions of wood pulp and When concentrated forms a viscous liquid or dry powder. It is known to contain ligno sulfonic acid which is probably the surface active agent responsible for its beneficial properties.

The materials commonly known as carriers comprise another type of ingredient which are preferably employed in the compositions of this invention. The purpose of a carrier is to extend and facilitate the application of the active ingredient to the vegetation upon which it is applied. In general, carriers may be of two types, viz, solids and liquids. Liquid carriers include well-known liquids such as water and various organic formulations. Typical liquid organic carriers are petroleum fractions such as kerosene and diesel fuel, aromatics such as benzene and toluene, ketones such as acetone and methylethylketone, esters such as amyl acetate, octyl acetate, and the like.

Typical solid carriers are inert solid extenders of mineral origin such as fullers earth, kaolin, bentonite, China clay, various magnesium silicates, gypsum, pumice, mica, talc, attapulgite clay, and the like. Inert extenders of vegetable origin, such as soy bean flour, tobacco flour, ground walnut shells, ground pecan shells, and the like, can also be employed.

The herbicidal compositions of the present invention can also beneficially contain other adjuvants. Examples of such further adjuvants are corrosion inhibitors, perfumes, dyes, odor-masking agents and stabilizers. In addition, other herbicidal, fungicidal or insecticidal agents might be mixed with the herbicidal compositions of this invention in order to obtain enhanced or dual effects from the application of the resultant composition.

The type of herbitoxic composition is largely dictated by the type of carrier employed. For example, the use of liquid carriers yields liquid formulations such as solutions, suspensions, emulsions, and the like. Oil-in-water emulsions are the preferred type of emulsion; however, water-in-oil types can be employed if desired. The use of solid carriers yields compositions such as wettable powders, granules, and dusts. These various formulations are discussed below.

One formulation for applying the active compounds of this invention to undesirable plants is a solution or suspension of the active compound in a suitable aqueous or organic medium. In these formulations the solution or suspension of the compounds is contacted with the plant tissue whereupon the active ingredients exert their plant controlling effect. The organic medium may be a volatile solvent or it may be a higher boiling solvent such as kerosene.

When using a solution or suspension formulation, a preferred active ingredient concentration range is from about 0.5 to parts by Weight active ingredient per 250 parts by weight of formulation, although more or less can be used. A more preferred concentration range is from about 1 to 50 parts by weight active ingredient per 250 parts of formulation. A most preferred concentration range is from about 1 to 10 parts by weight active ingredient per 250 parts of formulation.

Emulsifiable oils are preferred formulations comprising the active ingredients of this invention. These are solutions or suspensions of the active compound in water-immiscible solvents together with a surface active agent. In these formulations the water-immiscible solvent is the carrier. Suitable water-immiscible solvents for the active compound of this invention are hydrocarbons, such as kerosene or xylene, and water-insoluble ethers such as dibutylcarbitol and dibutylcellosolve, esters such as amylacetate and octylacetate, and ketones such as methylethylketone or dioctylketone.

The surface active agents employed in formulating emulsifia'ble oils are those which promote the formulation of emulsions. Such surface active agents are listed in the previously cited I. W. McCutcheon, Soap and Chemical Specialties. The preferred active agents used in preparing emulsifiable oils are the nonionic surfactants such as alkyl-, aryl-, poly-ethoxy alcohols, polyoxyethylene sorbitol, sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyethylene glycol fatty acid esters, fatty alkyllol amide condensates, amine salts of fatty alcohol sulfates, long chain alcohols, and anionic surfactants such as oil soluble petroleum sulfonates.

A preferred active ingredient concentration of the emulsifiable oil formulations of the present invention is from about 10 to about 90 weight percent. A more preferred active ingredient concentration in these formulations is from about to about 75 weight percent. A most preferred active ingredient concentration in the emulsifiable oil formulations of this invention is from about to about 50 weight percent.

A preferred water immiscible solvent concentration in the emulsifiable oil formulations of this invention is from about 10 to about 90 weight percent. A more preferred water immiscible solvent concentration is from about to about 75 weight percent. A most preferred water immiscible solvent concentration is from about to about 70 weight percent.

A preferred surfactant concentration in the emulsifiable oil formulations of the present invention is from about 0.5 to about 15 weight percent. A more preferred surfactant concentration is from about 1 to about 10 weight percent. A most preferred surfactant concentration in the emulsifiable oil formulations of this invention is from about 1 to about 5 weight percent. However, since the surfactant requirement will vary depending upon the active ingredient employed and the water immiscible solvent used, it is apparent that greater or lesser amounts of these ingredients can be employed, if desired.

In practice, the emulsifiable oil compositions of this invention are emulsified in water and the resultant emulsion used in the method of this invention in controlling undesirable vegetation. It is apparent that the concentration of the emulsifiable oil composition in the emulsion will be a function of the application rate desired and the concentration of active ingredient in the emulsifiable oil. A preferable quantity of the emulsifiable oil compositions emulsified in water is from about 2 to about 40 parts by weight of the emulsifiable oil composition per 250 parts by weight of final emulsion. A most preferred emulsifiable oil concentration in the emulsions used in controlling undesired vegetation is from about 4 to about 20 parts by weight emulsifiable oil compositions per 250 parts by weight of emulsion.

The compositions of this invention may be formulated in the form of wettable powders. These are Water dispersible compositions which contain, in addition to the active compound, an inert solid extender and one or more surfactants which perform the functions previously set out. The preferred inert solid extenders used in this invention are of mineral origin, such as fullers earth, kaolin, bentonite, China clay, and the like. The most preferred inert extenders used in the wettable powders of this invention are kaolin, bentonites, and magnesium silicates.

Surface active agents which can be used in combination with the other ingredients employed in producing wettable powders include all types previously described. The preferred surface active agents employed in the wettable powders are those that can be prepared in the solid form because these facilitate the blending of the wettable powder compositions. The most preferred wetting agents are anionic surfactants such as alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl naphthalene sulfonates, sulfonated fatty alcohols, sulfonated amines, sulfonated acid amides, sulfonated aliphatics, petroleum sulfonates, sodium lignin sulfonates, mixed alkylaryl sulfonates, and sodium N-methyl-N-fatty acid taurates.

Occasionally, more than one of the above surface active agents are employed in the formulation of a single wettable powder. In these instances, one of the surface active agents may be particularly useful in dispersing the inert extender in an aqueous suspension, while the other surface active agent may be particularly effective in wetting the plant tissue to which the final suspension is contacted.

A preferred active ingredient concentration of the wettable powder formulations of this invention is from about 10 to about 90 weight percent. A more preferred active ingredient concentration is from about 20 to about weight percent, and a most preferred active ingredient concentration in the wettable powder formulations of this invention is from about 50 to about 80 weight percent.

A preferred surfactant concentration in the wettable powder formulations of this invention is from about 0.5 to about 15 weight percent. A more preferred surfactant concentration is from about 1 to about 10 Weight percent, and a most preferred surfactant concentration is from about 1 to about 5 weight percent.

A preferred quantity of inert carrier used in the wettable powder formulations of this invention is from about 10 to about weight percent. A more preferred carrier concentration is from about 10 to about 75 weight percent, and a most preferred carrier concentration is from about 10 to about 50 weight percent.

For application in the control of undesirable vegetation, the wettable powder compositions of this invention are first dispersed in a liquid medium. Although nonaqueous liquid media may be used, a preferred liquid medium is water. It is again apparent that the quantity of wettable powder composition dispersed in the liquid medium is a function of the application rate desired and the concentration of active ingredient in the wettable powder. A preferred concentration range of the wettable powder compositions of this invention in aqueous dispersions of these compositions is from about 1 to about 20 parts by weight of wettable powder per 250 parts by weight of aqueous dispersion, and a most preferred concentration range is from about 2 to about 15 parts by weight of wettable powder per 250 parts by weight of aqueous dispersion.

Dusts are powder formulations which are intended for application in the dry form. Dust should be free flowing and have a high density. A high density promotes rapid settling of the dust and minimizes the transport of the dust vehicle by air currents. Dust formulations contain the active compounds and an inert extender. In addition, dust formulations usually contain Wetting agents. The inert solid extenders used in dusts include both organic and inorganic powders which preferably are free flowing and possess high bulk density. The preferred inert solid extenders used in dust formulations are dense clays, tales, pyrophyllite, Phospho Dust (trademark of the American Agricultural Chemical Company), and such organic materials as tobacco dust and ground walnut shells.

The preferred surface active agent employed in dust formulations are those available in the dry solid form. The most preferred surface active agents used in dust formulations are the same as those used in the previously described wettable powder formulations. Actually, the wettable powders previously described can be used as dusts. The major difference between wettable powders and dusts is that wettable powders contain a higher concentration of active ingredients and surface active agents and dusts preferably have a higher bulk density.

Dust formulations usually contain small amounts of grinding aid which facilitates the preparation of such dusts. Typical grinding aids are diatomaceous silica, silicas, calcium and magnesium silicates, and attapulgite clay.

A preferred active ingredient concentration employed in the dust compositions of this invention is from about 0.1 to about 25 weight percent. A more preferred active ingredient concentration is from about 1 to about 20 weight percent, and a most preferred active ingredient concentration is from about 1 to about 10 weight percent.

A preferred surfactant concentration used in the dust compositions of this invention is from about 0.01 to about 5 weight percent. A more preferred surfactant concentration is from about 0.1 to about 2 Weight percent, and a most preferred surfactant concentration used in the dust compositions of this invention is from about 0.5 to about 1 weight percent. The balance of the dust compositions of this invention comprise inert free flowing dust and any other adjuvants that might be desired, such as corrosion inhibitors, antifoam agents, dyes, and the like.

Granule formulations are occasionally employed to contact the compositions of the present invention with living plant tissue. Granules are compositions of macroscopic dimension containing the active ingredient and generally a surface active agent. Suitable carriers for granule formulations are clays, pyrophyllite and vermiculite. The preferred carriers are of two types. The first are porous absorbtive performed granules such as preformed and screened granular attapulgite or heat expanded granular screened vermiculite. On either of these a solution of the active ingredient can be sprayed and will be absorbed at concentrations up to about 25 percent of the total weight. The second type of carriers are initially powdered kaolin, hydrated attapulgite clay or bentonite. These are blended with the active compounds to give mixtures that are granulated and dried to yield granular material with the active material distributed uniformly throughout the mass. Such granules can also be made with 35-30 weight percent active ingredient, but, more frequently, these formulations contain about 10 weight percent active ingredient. The usual size range of the granular formulations is from 15 to 30 mesh.

The most suitable surface active agents for the granular formulations of this invention depend upon the type of granule used. When preformed granules are sprayed with active material in liquid form the most suitable surface active agents are non-ionic liquid surface active agents immiscible with the solvent. These are generally known in the art as emulsifying agents. Examples of such agents are alkaryl polyether alcohols, alkyl polyether alcohols, polyoxyethylene sorbitol, sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyethylene-glycol fatty esters, fatty alkyllol amide condensates, and petroleum or vegetable oil sulfonates.

A preferred active ingredient concentration of the granular formulations of this invention is from about 1 to about 50 weight percent. A more preferred active ingredient concentration is from about 1 to about 40 weight percent, and a most preferred active ingredient concentra* tion is from about 5 to about 30 Weight percent.

A preferred surfactant concentration employed in the granular formulations of this invention is from about 0.01 to about weight percent. A more preferred surfactant concentration is from about 0.1 to about 5 Weight percent, and a most preferred surfactant concentration is from about 0.1 to about 1 Weight percent. The balance of the granular formulations is preferably made up of about to 30 mesh particulate inert mineral carrier.

The compounds of this invention are also effective when formulated in aerosol formulations. In these formulations the active compounds are dissolved in an extremely volatile solvent maintained under pressure in a confined space. Examples of volatile solvents used in these formulations are halogenated hydrocarbons, such as tetrafiuoromethane, hexafiuoroethane, mixed halogenated hydrocarbon compounds containing fluorine and chlorine such as difluorodichloromethane, pentafluoromethane, and the like. In some aerosol formulations other materials such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and ammonia can be used. When such compounds are included in the formulation, carbon dioxide is usually preferred.

One method of preparing such aerosol formulations comprises introducing the active compounds of this invention into a pressure cylinder and later introducing the volatile solvent under pressure, followed by mixing of the contents to obtain uniform solution. If desired, smaller containers can then be filled from the cylinder in which the formulation is prepared. In many cases, it is desirable to add a second solvent to the volatile solvent of the type described above so as to more readily dissolve the active compounds. Examples of such secondary solvents are benzene, acetone, carbon tetrachloride, and the like.

When aerosol formulations are discharged into the atmosphere in the form of a fine mist, the volatile solvent rapidly evaporates, leaving the active compounds of this invention suspended in the form of an aerosol. In like manner, when the aerosol formulations are contacted with the surface of a plant, the volatile solvent rapidly evaporates, leaving the active compounds of this invention in intimate contact with the plant tissue.

The active ingredients described in this invention are also useful in colloidal formulations. A colloidal formulation is prepared by passing a mixture of the active ingredient, a hydrocarbon solvent and a large amount of water through a colloid mill until homogenation of the oil and water is achieved.

The compounds used in the following Examples 3-14 have the designations used below.

The following examples serve to illustrate the herbitoxic formulations of this invention. All percentages are by weight.

Example 3 Percent Compound A '50 Bentonite 49 Sodium alkyl benzene sulfonate l The above wettable powder is prepared by blending the dry components and grinding until substantially all of the particles are smaller than 50 microns.

For application, the above wettable powder is dispersed in water in quantities equivalent to one pound of active ingredient per 30 gallons of water. The dispersion so formed is conveniently applied by the use of any of th various commercial sprayers.

Example 4 Percent Compound B 90 Sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate 0.5 Kaolin 9.5

The above wettable powder is prepared in the same manner as in Example 3. For application, it is dispersed in water at a rate equivalent to 10 pounds of active ingredient per 30 gallons of water.

Example 5 Percent Compound C 10 Sodium lignin sulfonate 10 Attapul-gite clay The above wettable powder is prepared in the same manner as in Example 3. For application it is dispersed in water at a rate equivalent to 5 pounds of active ingredient per 30 gallons of water.

In the above example, similar formulations may be prepared containing 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, or percent Compound C and correspondingly smaller amounts of carrier.

The above dust is prepared by first grinding together the active ingredients, diatomaceous silica and fatty acid amide and then blending in the talc and thoroughly mixing.

This dust formulation can be applied using a tractor or airplane-mounted duster, at a rate of about pounds of active ingredient per acre.

Example 7 Percent Compound E 20 Magnesium silicate 5 Calcium phosphate dust 74 Petroleum sulfonate (sodium salt) 1 The above dust is prepared in a manner similar to Example 6. It is conveniently applied to plant tissue using a tractor or aircraft-mounted duster.

Example 8 Percent Compound F 25 Diesel fuel 65 Alkylaryl polyether alcohols Example 9 5 Percent Compound G 35 Xylene 60 Polyoxyethylene sorbitol 5 The above emulsifiable oil composition is prepared in the same manner as in Example 8. It is conveniently applied to plant tissue using a suitable tractor or airplanemounted sprayer.

Example 10 Percent Compound H 50 Amyl acetate 49 Polyethylene glycol fatty acid esters 1 The above emulsifiable oil composition is prepared in the same manner as in Example 9. For application, it is dispersed in water at a rate equivalent to about 5 pounds of active ingredient per 30 gallons of water. 'It may then be applied using any suitable commercial sprayer.

Example 11 Percent Compound I 30 Sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate 5 15-30 mesh attapulgite 65 The above granular composition is prepared by first dissolving the active ingredient and surface active agent in water and then spraying the solution on the carrier. Following this, the granules are dried. It may then be applied to plant tissue at a rate of from about 1 to 10 pounds of active ingredient per acre.

Example 12 Percent Compound] 5 Alkaryl polyether alcohols 1 15-30 mesh attaclay 94 The above granular composition is prepared in the same manner as employed in Example 11.

Example 13 Into a cylinder rated at p.s.i.g. working pressure is introduced 10 parts of Compound K. The cylinder is then made pressure tight except for one opening, through which is introduced a mixture of 10 parts of acetone and 50 parts of dichlorodifiuoromethane, from a container holding this material under 2000 p.s.i.g. The cylinder into which the ingredients have been introduced is then sealed off and shaken to give a uniform solution of the active compound in the volatile solvents. When sprayed into the atmosphere, this solution will form an eifective aerosol of the active compound employed.

Example 14 A colloidal formulation is prepared by passing a mixture of 10 parts of Cornpound L, 100 parts of kerosene, 1000 parts of water, and 1 part of mannitan monooleate through the colloid mill until homogenation of the oil in water is achieved.

Examples 15 to 614 Compounds l-50 set forth above are incorporated, one at a time, in each of the foregoing Examples 3 through 14.

The compositions of this invention are extremely useful when employed in the method of this invention for cont-rolling the growth of undesirable vegetation. Not only are they phytotoxic to many undesirable plants, but they are also useful as defoliants. The compositions of this invention are active as plant growth regulants at rates as low as one-tenth pound of active ingredient per acre. A preferred application rate is from 1 to 60 pounds of active ingredient per acre, and a most preferred application rate is from 5 to 10 pounds of active ingredient per acre. Higher or lower rates can be employed, depending upon the effect that the particular user desires to accomplish.

The compositions of the present invention are usually contacted with the leaves and stems of growing plants in the terms broadest sense, but can be applied to soil to obtain pre-emergence herbitoxic effects.

As appreciated in the art, the morphological effect obtained with the active ingredients of this invention may be influenced by the application rate, ambient temperature, humidity, and the time of the life cycle of the plant to which the compositions are applied. The elfect usually desired of plant growth regulators is either defoliation or complete eradication of undesirable species. It is in these particular applications that the compositions of this invention are most useful. The following tests were carried out in order to demonstrate the useful properties of the compositions of this invention.

In test procedure A, the compounds were formulated as follows. Each compound was weighed into a small aluminum cup. The material was then washed into small beakers with about 5 ml. of acetone, followed by 15 ml. of water, giving a total volume of 20 ml. A quantity of this material containing 31 mg. of the test compound was then removed and water added to it to bring its volume to 11 ml. At this point, 0.5 ml. of a one weight percent solution of Triton X- was added to the test solution and its volume then raised to 15 ml. by the addition of water. When this test solution is sprayed over an area of one-third square yard, it approximates an application rate of 30 gallons per acre containing one pound of test chemical per acre.

In some experiments the test compound was merely dissolved in acetone, so that 12 ml. of acetone solution contained 31 mg. of test compound.

The spray chamber used in carrying out subsequent tests was about 36 inches wide, 18 inches deep, and 26 inches high. It was made of clear plastic and the front of the chamber had sliding doors suitable for placing plants in and removing plants from the chamber. The top of the chamber had a hole for introducing the spray.

The compounds were examined by spraying them on 14-day-old Black Valentine bean plants and in some instances on privet plants at a rate equivalent to one pound of test compound per acre.

In the following Table I, the effectiveness of the compounds of this invention are expressed in terms of their phytotoxicity and their ability to cause abscission (defoliation). The abscission value is expressed in terms of the percentage drop of the total leaves on the plant (percent defoliation). At the time of spraying, the bean plants usually have two primary leaves. However, during the 14 days the plant is observed following spraying, two more (trifoliate) leaves usually emerge. Dropping of the two primary leaves would be recorded as 50 percent abscission. Dropping of all four leaves would be recorded as 100 percent abscission. Actually, dropping of the two primary leaves would constitute a total drop of all leaves actually contacted with the test compound.

Phytotoxicity is a measure of leaf damage (not to be confused with leaf droppage) and is estimated visually on a scale from to 11, where 0 indicates no effect and 11 indicates all leaves killed. It is possible for a test chemical to have a phytotoxicity rating of 11 and yet have an abscission rating of 0, which means that although all leaves were killed, they remained on the plant.

TABLE I.ABSCISSION AND PHYTOTOXICI'IY RATINGS OF METHYL (BROMOMERCURI) FORMATE ON BLACK VALENTINE BEANS Still further tests were carried out on the compounds of this invention to more fully determine the effectiveness of such compounds. In test procedure B, the test compound was dissolved in acetone containing 0.5% tween 20. The concentrations were adjusted so that rates of 1.0 lb./acre and 0.1 lb./acre could be applied. Each rate was applied in duplicate to six different 7-day-old species. The test plants used were Blank Valentine bean, Heavenly Blue morning-glory, Scarlet Globe radish, Lincoln soybean, Clinton oats and rice (RI. 8970). At selected time intervals, the following eifects were noted: abscission, chlorosis, contact injury, curvature, formative effects, galling, killing, necrosis, abnormal pigmentation, quilling, adventitious roots, and stunting. A rating system ranging from a value of 1 to 4 was used for each species. When the plant appeared normal, a rating of one was assigned whereas when the plant was killed, a value of 4 was assigned. Thus, the ratings are such that a maximum value of 4 for each species may be obtained. Since there are six species and each may obtain a value of from one to four, the overall result will always fall within the range of from 6 to 24. The latter indicates complete kill of all the species whereas the former indicates no effect. Final readings are obtained 10 to 14 days after application. The following Table II shows the final overall result obtained when methyl(bromomercuri)formate was applied on the above-described six species.

Table II.-Summary herbicidal properties of methyl (bromomerouri)formate Rating (based on a Concentration lb./ acre: maximum value of 24) 0.1 6

TABLE IIL-ABSCISSION AND CONTACT RATINGS OF METHYL(BROMOMEROURDFORMATE ON TREES BY METHOD 0 Concentration Abscission Contact 1 1b./acre HM mug gm P422 HHS MHZ whit-=1 rung Ham Emu:

As noted above, certain herbitoxic formulations require an organic medium or a solvent. In addition to the solvents and the organic medium materials listed above alcohols and sulfoxides may also be employed. Non-limiting examples of alcohols are l-butanol, cyclohexanol, l-octanol, l-nonanol and the remaining positional isomers, Z-methyll-nonanol, 2,8-dimethyl-5-nonanol, l-dodecanol, 6-dodecanol, l-tetradecanol, all positional isomers thereof and the like. Illustrative examples of sulfoxides are dirnethyl sulfoxide, diethyl sulfoxide, di-n-propyl sulfoxide, di-nbutyl sulfoxide, dibenzyl sulfoxide and the like.

This invention can be extended to the treatment of species of plants other than those mentioned above such as algae.

Having fully described the compositions of this invention and their novel uses, it is desired that this invention be limited only within the lawful scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A method of defoliating and desiccating plants, said method comprising contacting plants 'with a defoliating and desiccating amount of a compound having the formula wherein X is chlorine, bromine, iodine, or fluorine, and R is an alkyl group having up to 12 carbon atoms 2. The method of claim 1 wherein said compound is methyl(bromomerourDfQnmate.

(References on following page) 15 16 References Cited Hitchcock et aL, Toxic Eflfects of Vapors of Mercury, UNITED STATES PATENTS Etc. (1957) Ann., N.Y. Acad. Sci. 65 pp. 474, 75, 7 8, 79,

'9597 (1957). 2,067,100 1/ 1937 5611511119461 6t Weintraub et 211., Relation Between Mole Structure, 3,227,741 1/1966 Fenton 260431 5 Etc., (1952) CA 46 pp. 5773-74 (1952). 3,294,830 12/ 1966 Horvitz et a1. 7197 Rakitin, Methods of Defoliation, (1964) U.S.S.R.

65, 363 CA 62, p. 4543 (1965). OTHER REFERENCES Hitchcock et a1., Toxic Effects of Mercury and of LEWIS GOTTSPr'mar-y Exammer' Compounds of Mercury on Plants. (1957) CA 51 pp. 10 H0 SIan Examiner. 15716-17 (1957).

Zimmerman et al., Plant Injury Caused By Vapors, Etc. (1934) CA 28, p. 55586 (1934). 71--97; 260-431 

